Tire Issue

[Puddles]

Hi Everyone!

I have just logged my 3001 mile on my Ladybug. I scuffed the front driver's side tire pulling into the airport parking lot two weeks ago. This afternoon, I noticed a "bubble" on the tire under the hubcap.

I've had numerous cars in my driving lifetime and have never seen this. Is this just a one time thing or are there issues with the tires VW puts on their vehicles? I just want to make sure I'm prepared for more if it's not just a once and done thing.

I'm going to change the tire and take it into the dealership tomorrow,'cause there's no way I'm driving on it!

Just thought I'd find out if this was "normal".

Thanks!!

[kcfoxie]

This has happened to be on a beetle, a ford taurus, and a ford minivan. The tire itself was defective, it's not really VW's fault that it was a single bad tire. It rubbed and bubbled -- and yes it is unsafe to drive on it. Good call on putting the spare on

[Puddles]

Phew...so it's just a bad tire. Since it's defective, will they give me a new one? I hope so... I've only had the car less than 3 months.

Thanks!

[kcfoxie]

I THINK that there is a 10,000 mile "idiot proof" warranty where anything that breaks -- even user wearable items -- is covered. at 3000 miles you have a compelling case, just say that you noticed it the other day on the car and don't know how it got there. DO NOT say you ran a curb, else they can refuse to do anything because that falls under "abuse." Good luck!!

[Puddles]

I'll have to rub off the scuff marks!

Thanks again!

[Puddles]

Just got back from the dealership to get a new tire. They said the bubble isn't a "defect" - it's an impact issue. I didn't sign up for that tire protection, but I have a feeling I should suck it up and spend the $500 for it.

They wouldn't replace it under warranty, even though the car is less than three months old with 3000 miles on it.

A bit preturbed... $200 for a new tire???

[Whitacre]

Do you have the upgraded tire Michelin Sports with the 17in tires?

Those are super expensive tires...and i was just thinking about posting a thread about this too. I HATE my tires that came with the car. It can barely be raining, and i can make the car lose grip without TRYING hardly at all. I feel like the tire wall is going to collapse when taking a turn somewhat fast, and my gas mileage is pretty "blah" for being such a wonderful tire that is all season. I HATE HATE HATE MICHELINS! And i dont understand WHY VW or other luxury brands use them. I dont know if its just the set i have, but im sure its pretty much how michelins are with this type of tire.

Either spend 200 on one tire, or 400 on a whole new set of continental sportcontact or another good tire company.

My 02 bug with Continential Sports on it are awesome. I could drive well in the light snow we had, never had a hydroplaning issue, and i could take a turn like no other and not even get a hint of being concerned about grip.

Thats another thing, i have to actually slow WAAAY down more than usual when it has been raining for too long, or the tires just hydroplane or it feels like the steering wheel gets taken from me and the car goes where it wants to. It sucks!

*crawls off soap box

Alright, my point is, they are sucky tires, so just get all new ones while your at it. You will like it much better later!

[from Margaritaville...]

Whitacre, just curious...How many psi do you run in the Michelins?...

[Puddles]

Nope, no special tires yet... I just have the regular 16 inch on mine. I was planning on getting the daisy wheels and such next year.

So, if this is problem, I'm thinking I should buy the tire/wheel warranty... however, I think the reason I didn't take it in the first place is because if I put those daisy wheels on there, it would make the warranty null and void.

UGH.

My last car was a Mitsh Montero Sport SUV and I had to replace the tires once in 4-1/2 years of ownership. And, they only cost me $60 a tire to do so!

Crazy stuff...

[from Margaritaville...]

I find it curious that although 28# psi is specified inside the fuel door, most Orgers seem to run at about 33 - 36 psi instead. It's no wonder that many feel as though they're driving on bicycle tires when cornering. I ride with 26# psi in my Michelin MXVs and those tires have not left me "wanting" for more lateral G's at all (freeway transition ramps at 90 mph is fine for me, thank you)...

[Maggadog]

I think different years and different tire and wheel combos have different psi specifications. The setup on my bug says 33psi all around.

[digitalputty]

That stinks about the tire. $200 is a bit steep. Check with:
www.tirerack.com and see if they have a better price.

I run 28 - 32 psi for my tires. Depends on when I check them. :P

[dunno513]

You need to contact the tire company/warranty for replacement. Dealerships won't replace since it's VW's dime and they will say anything to aviod covering something that they have no control over. You should have a tire warranty brochure in your paperwork that the dealership gave you.

Good luck.